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Issue
5.10 | Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 TODAY'S
FOCUS CURRENTS ON
SENIORS GOOD
NEWS HISTORY
ALSO INSIDE :: FEEDBACK: On resolutions :: SPOTLIGHT: Charleston Green Commercial :: CALENDAR: This week ... and next :: THE LIST: Dealing with email :: QUOTE: Human condition |
ABOUT US CharlestonCurrents.com offers insightful community comment and good news on events each week. It cuts through the information clutter to offer the best of what's happening locally. What readers say WHERE IS IT?
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JAN. 7, 2013 -- If you want to help young people keep their New Year's resolutions, Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina can lend a hand.
A recent survey released by University of Scranton "Journal of Clinical Psychology" showed more than one third of Americans reported they've made money related resolutions for 2013. That makes sense. Spending less and saving more is always a popular New Year's new year's resolution. Junior Achievement's programs teach important financial lessons to youths, such as how to save and how to budget through interactive and engaging programs delivered by community volunteers. Linda Art, current board chair and vice president of loss prevention at Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union, says it's important to get acquainted early with good financial practices. "It's never too early to become a more financially responsible consumer and Junior Achievement has the tools necessary to instill responsible spending and savings habits and to help prevent bad habits before they begin," she said.
Junior Achievement empowers youth to own their economic success through turn-key programs. JA Volunteers equip young people with the tools they need to effectively navigate paths to smart money management. Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina impacted over 8,000 Coastal SC students in 52 schools in the 2011-12 academic year and is on track to reach over 10,000 elementary, middle and high school students this school year. To learn more about Junior Achievement, its programs, how they can come to your classroom or to volunteer, contact Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina at 843-745-7050 or online at: www.JACoastalSC.org.
JAN. 7,
2013 -- As South Carolina legislators prepare to return to the Statehouse
for a new session, they should clear from their minds any notions that
the state has "big government."
Sure, there
may be some functions of state government today that some legislators
might not like, such as providing a high-quality public education to all
students or having an agency to look out for the state's health and environment.
But after 10 years of rhetoric about fat by Gov. Mark Sanford and his
successor Gov. Nikki Haley as well as a legislature obsessed with tax
cuts fueled by a GOP love fest with anti-tax think tank guru Grover Norquist,
the idea of a bloated government is nonsensical. They've cut and cut and
cut. Look back
at the state's budget during the tenure of GOP Gov. Carroll Campbell,
surely no fan of big government. Back in 1989-90, the state's General
Fund budget -- the funds that come from state taxes -- was $3.363 billion.
If that number were adjusted for inflation, the equivalent number in 2012
dollars would be $5.924 billion. And the General Fund budget for the current
year? Almost the same at $6.088 billion. But remember, the current year's
taxes are supporting services to 4.6 million people, compared to the 3.5
million who lived here in 1990.
In other
words, the state's tax dollars have grown with inflation, but are serving
31 percent more people. That doesn't sound like a lot of bloating. Rather,
state government has adapted to the resources it has. Another
indicator state government isn't the huge slug perpetuated by some lawmakers:
In Campbell's day, the state employed more than 80,000 people. Now, it
employs less than 58,000, according to Carlton B. Washington, head of
the S.C. State Employees Association. But while
the number of state employees has gone down significantly, taxpayers continue
to demand services from those who remain. "That
need [for government services] exists because taxpayers are not interested
in taking their families to eat at a restaurant that is not inspected
by DHEC, nor are they interested in traveling on South Carolina's roads
and highways without the oversight and protection afforded by South Carolina
troopers," Washington said. "Taxpayers are not advocating closing
the Department of Social Services and consequently the invaluable protection
the agency provides, especially to abused and neglected children and seniors."
If you
want to really take a look at how the concept of bloated government is
false, just look at how some agencies have fared over the last 23 years.
The above
agencies, like many across state government, have far less money and employees
than they did in 1990. DHEC is half its size. The Attorney General's office
has one third of the state funding it once had. The Treasurer's office
is a quarter of its size in terms of dollars. Sure some
agencies -- the House, the Senate, Corrections, the Judiciary, PRT (Parks,
Recreation and Tourism) -- kept up with or exceeded inflation over the
years. But overall, state government is smaller, leaner and more efficient. As lawmakers gear up for the session, they should make policy decisions based on fact, not myths of spin-doctors trying to convince them of something that doesn't exist.
To the editor: Each of the five listed have considerable merit and seem obvious enough that all five belong on the legislative priority list for 2013. As a follow up, I urge you to devote one future issue for each of the five resolutions for expanded commentary
ON
SENIORS JAN. 7, 2013 -- What do you do when the senior you love needs the next step in healthcare?
So many scenarios cross your mind, with the main one to ponder being "Where do we go and what do we do?" America is graying and graying fast. By 2030, one of five people in the United States will be over the age of 65. In six years in SC, one-third of the population will be 65 and older!
Elders
are living longer and as they age, they need increased assistance -- 5o
percent those over age 85 need support and assistance. Today, about 40
million Americans provide unpaid family care to someone over the age of
50 and one out of six Americans is involved in providing care. These are
startling statistics. Following are some simple steps to get you on the right path when faced with the devastating prospect of care in the long term:
I would
recommend soliciting the help of at least the following professionals:
a geriatrician (physicians that specialize in older adults), an elder
law attorney (attorneys who commit to staying on top of legal issues specific
to the older adult), and a Certified Geriatric Care Manager (GCM). A GCM
can assist with helping families to navigate through the maze of health
care and works with community/federal/state resources to find the right
one for each senior. They can save you time and money by not duplicating
efforts and using their knowledge of available resources. Aging can
be trouble free, but when it's not, it is time to make decisions. I am
hopeful you will make them beforehand and plan, plan, plan.
You can ditch your old iPod and help raise money in a creative way for the Charleston Friends of the Library.
The Friends, which raises money through book sales and membership to help fund over 7,000 Library programs each year that are free to the community, is partnering with AbundaTrade.com and CCPL for this special donation drive. Donated items will be sold online or at future Friends book sales. See one of the world's best camellia gardens Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is offering a special discount in January for garden lovers who want to enjoy the color of a camellia garden that has been named one of the best in the world. Buy one garden admission for $15 and get the second one free. The special admission price can't be combined with other discounts, venue officials said.
The 20-acre camellia garden isn't the only attraction at Magnolia. For an additional cost of $8, visitors can stroll along an elevated walkway through the Audubon Swamp Garden. Guided tours, which also cost $8 each, include: a 30-minute tour of the main house filled with antiques and the history of the Drayton family; a 45-minute ride on a nature tram to see abundant wildlife; or a 45-minute presentation on the African-American contributions to Magnolia's gardens during the award-winning "From Slavery to Freedom" cabin tour. Little Shop of Horrors comes to Charleston What If? Productions' spin on the botanical musical nightmare "Little Shop of Horrors" opens January 25 at the American Theatre starring two of Charleston's biggest theatre stars Brian Porter ("Hedwig & the Angry Inch," "Cabaret") and Mary Fishburne ("Tell Me On A Sunday," "The House of Yes").
You can see the show at the 446 King Street theatre at 8 p.m. on Jan. 25, 26, 30 and 31, and Feb. 1 and 2. It will show at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 and Feb. 3.
Citadel hosts Lowcountry Writing Project The Lowcountry Writing Project, Charleston's local affiliate of the National Writing Project, is now accepting applications for the 2013 Invitational Summer Institute.
Most sessions will take place at The Citadel, with two Wednesday sessions at The Citadel Beach House. There will a pre-institute conference on March 16, along with a writing marathon on April 20. Applicants need to be able to attend all sessions and should not plan to take other classes concurrent with this institute. Applications are due Jan. 25, followed by an interview at The Citadel on Jan. 28.
One of the 10 original parishes established by the Church Act of 1706, St. Bartholomew's Parish, located in modern Colleton County, included the territory between the Edisto and Combahee Rivers. With the spread of rice cultivation, St. Bartholomew's numerous tidal rivers attracted planters who brought large numbers of African slaves to work their fields. During the second half of the eighteenth century the production of indigo further increased their wealth and demand for slaves. The whites of St. Bartholomew's Parish could not agree on a location for a parish church, so several Anglican chapels of ease were built. In 1725 a chapel was authorized at Pon Pon, a neighborhood near where the Charleston road crossed the Edisto River. A second was authorized in 1745 at Edmundsbury, a village on the Ashepoo River. During the antebellum era, the fertile soil and optimum growing conditions made the ACE (Ashepoo, Combahee, Edisto) River Basin a center of rice production in the state. In 1820 Colleton District, which included St. Bartholomew's Parish, had a population that was 83.6 percent African slaves. The planters of St. Bartholomew's were known for their political radicalism, electing the outspoken fire-eater Robert Barnwell Rhett to represent them in the General Assembly and Congress. When a new state constitution was adopted in 1865, the parish system was abolished and St. Bartholomew's Parish was incorporated into Colleton District.
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Email driving
you nuts?
Here are some of
her favorite tips for managing the insanity of email:
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity."
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Gibbes openings: Jan. 11. The Gibbes Museum of Art will open two special exhibitions: "Vibrant Vision: The Collection of Jonathan Green and Richard Weedman" will feature modern art in the Main Gallery through April 21, while "Witness to History: Civil Rights Era Photographs by James Karales will feature iconic images in the Rotunda Gallery through May 12. More. (NEW) Preservation walk: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Jan. 12, College of Charleston's Historic Architecture, starts at Porter's Lodge, 66 George Street, Charleston. Features info about those who shaped one of the oldest colleges in the country. More. Hunt & Habit: Jan. 12 through April 21, Charleston Museum, Meeting Street. The museum will present an original exhibition of women's and men's riding habits, hats and accessories from the 19th and early 20th century. More info. Exploring the American Revolution: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 12, 2013, Washington Light Infantry armory, 287 Meeting Street, Charleston. A day filled with roundtable discussions about Southern campaigns during the Revolutionary War will occur with a "Dutch treat" lunch. Learn more online. Introduction to climbing: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 12, James Island County Park. For people 14 and older, this course offers basics of climbing technique where small gains in technique lead to big gains in ability. More. Oyster roast: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 13, Dill Sanctuary, James Island. The Charleston Museum will celebrate its 240th birthday with a big oyster roast with oysters by Ben Moise, a history walk and bluegrass music by Blue Plantation. $35 for members; $50 for nonmembers. More. (NEW) Songs of Freedom: 7 p.m., Jan. 17, Charleston Library Society, 164 King Street, Charleston. The Un!Edited Concert Series will feature the sounds of the civil rights era in this "library concert sit-in" to commemorate the American struggle for equality. Tickets are $20. More. (NEW) Views of the Coast: Jan. 19 to March 3, City Gallery, Waterfront Park. The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs will offer a show of works by macro-photographer David Batchelder and aerial photographer Yve Assad that was curated by Charles Wyrick. Opening reception: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jan. 19. More. (NEW) Book signing: 5:30 p.m., Jan. 21, Preservation Society of Charleston Book & Gift Shop, 147 King St., Charleston. Kevin Eberle will discuss his book "Hampton Park Terrace" at an event that features wine, cheese and more. Read Kevin's article in Charleston Currents from last year. More: PreservationSociety.org (NEW) The Secret Garden: Jan. 25 to Feb. 3, Dock Street Theatre, Charleston. Charleston Stage will perform Frances Hodson Burnett's classic children's story in an original adaptation. Tickets are $22.50. More. (NEW) Shuck-a-Rama: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 26, Gold Bug Island, Mount Pleasant. The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina will hold its second annual oyster roast to support traumatic brain injury prevention and education. Live music from Southwood. Oysters, hot dogs, beer, beer and wine will be served. Cost: $35 in advance; $45 at the door. More. Bird walks: 8:30 a.m. to noon, every Wednesday and Saturday. This is the time of year that a great variety of migrating birds fly through the Lowcountry so what better time to take part in one of the regular early morning bird walks at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel. Pre-registration is suggested. Cost is $5. Walks also are conducted on James Island and Folly Beach.Learn more online. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
FOCUS ARCHIVES 4/1: Angstadt: Manatees 3/25:
Benson,
Noble: Envision SC 1/28:
Ross:
Root of stress 12/31:
Hester:
Tech trends 11/26:
Stevens:
Thank you letters 10/29:
Herrick:
Saucy new book DOUG
BOSTICK: 3/11: Preparing
to attack ANDY BRACK 4/1: With no vision ... 3/25:
Candidates
spend $2M 12/31:
Mexican
new year, more 11/26:
Guilty
pleasure 10/29:
16
days, Gov. Haley? 9/24:
New
TravelOrMove site ANN
THRASH: 10/15:
Guerrilla
cuisine GREG
GARVAN: 2/25: Heirs'
property 11/26/12: Consumerism LIST
ARCHIVES 4/1: Vacation ID tips 3/25:
Park
and play 2/25:
Five
on storytelling 12/31:
New
Year's prep 11/26:
Giving
back winners 10/29:
Anti-hacking
tips IN OUR SISTER PUBLICATION
ENJOY OUR SISTER SITES
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Art
noticed how JA's programs made a difference to students at Summerville
Catholic School: "JA's volunteer delivered programs help young people
become financially responsible adults." 
It
doesn't. To suggest the state's departments and agencies are laden with
pork, waste and abuse -- and to govern based on that assumption -- has
as much validity as a kid believing the moon is made of cheese.
My
compliments on your recent issue which outlined your suggestions for "
The
public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring Charleston
Currents to you at no cost. In this issue, we turn the spotlight on
Charleston Green Commercial, a full-service commercial property
management company that pays attention to detail, provides exceptional
personal service and is committed to adding value to buildings. Offering
professional property management, consulting and other services, the company
strives to improve clients' bottom lines with superior service, accessibility,
reliability and a wealth of knowledge of the Charleston real estate market.
By blending use of proven contractors and contacts with environmentally-conscious
practices, the company helps clients stay on the leading edge of commercial
real estate practices. 
Or
when
the senior you love is experiencing life difficulties?
Its
special Media and Gadget Donation Drive to support Charleston's public
libraries lasts through February 15. You're encouraged to donate your
gently-used CDs, DVDs, LPs, video games and gadgets to any of the 16 public
library locations in Charleston County.
In
2012, the International Camellia Society named Magnolia an International
Camellia Garden of Excellence. Magnolia, which features 20,000 camellias,
is one of only 30 gardens in the world and one of five in the United States
that has received this prestigious award.
The
show will feature a man-eating plant, a gas-huffing, torture-happy dentist
and a cast of some of Charleston's finest performers all on stage in the
restored American Theater. The producers say the show promises to be an
evening of unforgettable live theatre.
The
institute brings together teachers in all grade levels and all disciplines
for four weeks of reading, writing, research and practice. Participants,
invited on the basis of an application and a personal interview, meet
each day to write, discuss their writing, read about and discuss effective
ways to teach writing and use writing as a learning tool. They also research
writing topics of their choice and improve their teaching practices by
leading or taking part in demonstrations of effective teaching practices.
Participants earn six hours of graduate credit. A grant covers the cost
of tuition and books.
The
